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Atomic Structure & Periodicity

Isobar

One of a set of atoms of different elements that share the same mass number but have different atomic numbers.

Formula / equation same A, different Z
Unit Dimensionless

In depth

Isobars have the same total nucleon count distributed differently between protons and neutrons, so their chemical behaviour is entirely different. Neighbouring isobars are frequently linked by beta decay, in which a neutron converts to a proton or vice versa while A stays fixed.

Examples in the real world

Argon-40, potassium-40 and calcium-40 all have A = 40 but Z = 18, 19 and 20 respectively.